Start your year with a data-driven mindset as Erin Sparks welcomes analytics expert Dana DiTomaso to the show. This episode dives into the evolving realities of digital marketing measurement in 2026, pushing you to mature your approach with actionable strategies and fresh perspectives.

Dana DiTomaso discusses why marketers can't afford to rely on outdated metrics and generic reporting in a world changing rapidly under AI's influence and economic headwinds. We unpack the pitfalls of "one-size-fits-all" analytics, tips for tracking what actually matters, and the practical process of tagging and categorizing every piece of site content based on its unique purpose down the funnel. Plus, learn how to build out reporting that clearly identifies audience intent, content gaps, and wins leadership buy-in.

A standout theme: Not every page is meant to convert, and understanding content purpose is essential in today's digital landscape. Reporting frameworks must reflect genuine engagement and tangible business value, not just vanity metrics.

Ready to reset your reporting? LIsten in in for practical workflows, candid advice on navigating tough leadership conversations, and a no-nonsense look at analytics maturity. Know your site, evolve your strategy, and stay ahead on EDGE of the Web!

Key Segments:

[00:04:39] Adapting to AI's Web Impact

[00:08:34] Content Strategy for Engagement Analytics

[00:11:14] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:15:25] Prioritizing Bottom-Funnel Content

[00:18:59] Content Consumption Tracking Method

[00:20:14] GA4, Workshops, and Responsive Reports

[00:23:47] Unifying Analytics for Better Strategy

[00:25:11] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Inlinks (WAIKAY)

[00:26:57] Setting Up GA4 Audiences

[00:30:49] Growth Takes Time to Learn

[00:34:14] Experiment, Test, and Embrace Change

[00:38:16] LLM Optimization and Introspection

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Inlinks/WAIKAY: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/waikay

Follow Our Guest

Bluesky: @danaditomaso

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dditomaso/

YouTube: @kp_playbook

Resources

AI Traffic Analysis: Building GA4 Audiences That Drive Decisions

The Analytics Maturity Framework: A Digital Marketer's Guide to Data Success

Video: Turn AI snippets into sales: Track Google's AI traffic in GA4 & prove ROI

This week's EDGE of the Web dives into the seismic shifts rocking the digital marketing landscape, from Adobe's blockbuster SEMrush acquisition to Google's long-awaited rollout of Search Console Annotations (well, not so seismic). The future of AI in SEO and the rising tide of data privacy laws set the tone for a fast-changing industry.

Erin Sparks, Crystal Carter, and Jacob Mann break down what Adobe's $1.9 billion move means for marketers and explore how WIX is upping its AI tools, accessibility, and agentic web readiness. The crew also spotlights ChatGPT's rumored ad features, Google's continued experimental AI Mode ads, and the EU's Digital Omnibus, raising stakes for marketers everywhere.

A side story on the dangers of AI SEO spam highlights how black hat tactics are evolving, bringing back old-school manipulation in a new LLM-driven context. The panel ponders whether brands and platforms are ready for the next frontier of search and content integrity.

News from the EDGE:

• [00:07:55] Official: Adobe is acquiring Semrush for $1.9 billion
• [00:16:49] GSC has Annotations! Hoorah! Finally!
• [00:21:16] EU's Digital Omnibus and cookie consent - what you need to know

AI / SEO News Segment:

• [00:23:26] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics
• [00:25:11] Gemini 3 refused to believe it was 2025, and hilarity ensued
• [00:32:17] ChatGPT Ads potential leaked
• [00:39:55] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: WAIKAI
• [00:41:29] Google Ads begin surfacing inside AI Mode as tests expand
• [00:45:52] AI Shopping Research
• [00:52:04] AI Poisoning: Black Hat SEO Is Back

Thanks to our sponsors!

• Site Strategics: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site
• Inlinks WAIKAY https://edgeofthewebradio.com/waikay

Follow Us:

• X: @ErinSparks
• X: @CrystalontheWeb
• X: @TheMann00
• X: @EDGEWebRadio

Cut the Crap!

Here's a special episode with Wil Reynolds from Seer Interactive when we were at BrightonSEO 2025 in San Diego this year. We HAD to grab Wil after his keynote and unpack his thoughts on where we are with AI and SEO.

No more excuses: Wil Reynolds lays out bold strategies, from open-source testing to hands-on experimentation, empowering pros at every level to innovate, even without buy-in from the top.

Hustle, determination, and optimizing for humans crushes the status quo and delivers real results.

Ready to drop lazy listicles and lead with guts? Hit play for this straight-talking, actionable episode and stay sharp at the EDGE of the Web.

Follow Our Guest

• Twitter: https://x.com/wilreynolds
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilreynolds/